Critical Shortage of Donors Cannot Meet the Needs of More Than 100,000 on the Waiting List
New York, N.Y - January 28, 2008: The New York Organ Donor Network is issuing an appeal to people of color for the upcoming Black History Month: become organ, eye and tissue donors and save lives by enrolling in New York State’s Donate Life Registry.
For the first time, the number of people waiting for organ transplants exceeds 100,000, of which 29,139 are black. This represents approximately 30% of the total number of people waiting, which is significant as African-Americans represent only 13% of the total US population. The single largest need for blacks is for kidney transplants. A total of 27,132 names on the kidney waiting list are African-American.
"Given the dire situation, we are hoping that the 'yes we can' attitude will take hold of all Americans, and that they will realize how one person can save or improve the lives of nearly 60 people," said Elaine Berg, Donor Network president and chief operating officer. "And for African-Americans looking forward to Black History Month, what better way is there for them to celebrate their rich heritage than by vowing to give the greatest gift of all, life?"
Ms. Berg added: "With so many people needing transplants, and an average of 18 patients dying each day because of the dearth of donors, we really do need a 'yes we can save lives' approach."
According to UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, between 1999 and October 2008, there were 4,679 African-Americans whose lives were saved by organ transplants. One of those recipients is 2-year-old Gregory Denizard, who received a liver transplant in January last year at Westchester Medical Center. Today, he is a healthy, active child who brings a great deal of joy to his family.
"Nevertheless, too few patients on the waiting list are as fortunate as young Gregory," Ms. Berg said."The bottom line is that during February, black New Yorkers can build on a heritage of generosity and caring by enrolling in the New York State's Donate Life Registry."
The New York State Donate Life Registry is a confidential database administered by New York's Department of Health.
Enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry
For more information, and to celebrate Black History Month by promoting the registry in your community, contact Karen Cummings at 646-291-4454.
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About the New York Organ Donor Network: The Donor Network is the nonprofit, federally designated organ procurement organization serving 13 million people in the greater New York metropolitan area. According to UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, between 1999 and October 2008, there were 4,679 African-Americans whose lives were saved by organ transplants. One of those recipients is 2-year-old Gregory Denizard, who received a liver transplant in January last year at Westchester Medical Center. Today, he is a healthy, active child who brings a great deal of joy to his family.
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